Curtain-shade circuit-closer.



J, HAVRAN.

'CURTAIN SHADE CIRCUIT CLOSER.

APPLICATION FILED PMY'18J915 Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

avio'cnca J. HAVRAN.

CURTAIN SHADE CIRCUIT CLOSER.

APPLICATION FILED mm 18. 19:5.

1,259,736. Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

amoenifoz Chroma,

7 JOHN HAVRAN, OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

CURTAIN-SHADE CIRCUIT-CLOSER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 19, 1918.

Application filed May 18, 1915. Serial No. 28,903.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN HAVRAN, a sub ject of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary, residing at Portland; in the county of Multnomah and State of Oregon, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Curtain-Shade Circuit-Closers, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to circuit closers, and more particularly to circuit closers adapted for use and associated with window shade rollers or the like, whereby to close an electric circuit and-actuate an alarm.

The object of my invention is to provide a circuit closer which will become operative to close an electrical circuit for actuation of an alarm immediately upon movement in any direction of the shade by unauthorized persons.

Another object of my invention is to provide a circuit closer which is actuated by movement of the shade, varying of the weight of the hanging shade serving to close the electrical circuit automatically.

A further object of my invention is to provide suitable means for facilitating the oper ation above set forth and I have provided an improved bracket for supporting the shade roller and contact means.

With the above and other objects in view my invention resides preferably in the construction, combination, and arrangement of parts as hereinafter set forth in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my 1mproved. circuit closer Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same, showing the device applied to a window frame;

Fig. 3 is a detail enlarged view of my 1mprovement showing a portion of the bracket in section;

Fig. 4 is a detail perspective View of the circuit closing element carried by the shade roller;

Fig. 5 is a similar diagrammatic view of a curtain shade and bracket illustrating one of the types of electric circuit which may be employed;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a modified form of circuit close-r;

Fig. 7 is a further modified form of the circuit closer;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the bracket or casing common to both of the above forms of my invention;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the preferred form of circuit closing arm used in the above modified forms of my invention;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of a still further modified form of my invention illustrating an adjusting means for the circuit closing member;

I Fig. 11 is a front and side elevation of a modified form of bracket.

Similar reference characters indicate similar parts throughout. the various views of the drawings.

Reference may be had to the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, these figures illustrating the primary or preferred form of my invention. For convenience in describing, I have termed the curtain supporting means a bracket, but it will be readily understood that any other form of support might be used embodying the form of my invention shown.

The numeral 1 indicates a window frame. I provide a bracket having'a base 2, said base 2 being secured in any desired manner to the window frame 1 by means of screws or the like 3, and having a laterally extending portion 4 which provides a bracket bearing for the shade roller 5.

In order to rotatably mount the shade roller 5 on the bracket and at the same time insulate the roller and its trunnion from the bracket, the laterally extending portion 4 of the bracket is provided with a plate or disk 6 said disk 6 being mounted on and insulated from the lateral portion 4 by means of a supplemental disk 7 of insulating material interposed between the said disk and the portion 4, said disks and portion 4 being secured together by means of screws or the like 8 passing therethrough. The said screws 8 being mounted in insulating bushings 9 in the portion 4 as indicated to advantage in Fig. 3. The said disk 6 is provided with a central opening 10, said central opening 10 being adapted to receive the trunnion 11 of the shade roller 5. The said lateral portion 4 is provided with an elongated transverse opening 12 adjacent the base 2 for a purpose which will be hereinafter set forth. I

Mounted upon the trunnion-11 and adapt} ed to rotate with vthe shade roller 5, at times,

I provide an arm l l, said arm 11 being disposed radially of the shaft or trunnion 11 and having its outer end bent to form a laterally extending portion 15 for reception in the opening 12 in the portion of the bracket 2. The function of the lever or arm 1st is two-fold. The said arm serves as a means to prevent the trunnion 11 from turning and also will hereinafter become apparent serves as a means to close the electrical circuit and actuate an alarm. In constructing my invention, the square trunnion which is common in most forms of shade rollers is not used in my invention, the arm 1st serving the same purpose, as set forth above.

In order that my invention may be successful in itsoperation it is necessary that the lateral portion 15 of the arm 14: be disposed within the opening 12 and substantially intermediate the ends thereof. To attainthis point, I provide a means which consists preferably of a coil spring 16, said coil spring 16 being connected at one of its ends with the free end of the lateral portion 15 of the arm 14, the said portion 15 having an opening 17 therein for reception of the end of the spring, and the opposite end of said spring is rigidly secured to the win-- dow frame 1 by means of a bracket member 18 as indicated at 19. The bracket member 18 is adjustably mounted on the frame 1 by means of screws or the like 20 mounted in elongated openings 21 in the base 22 thereof. One terminal of the electrical circuit is connected at 23 to the bracket 18 and the other terminal is connected at 24 to the other bracket. It will thus be seen that when the arm 15 is retained in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 that the electricai circuit will remain broken but as soon as the arm 15 moves in either direction in such a manner as to contact with the ends of the elongated opening 12 the circuit will be closed and an alarm actuated. The spring 16 has been shown astending to draw the arm 15 in an upward direction, this being done because of the fact that as shown to advantage in Fig, 1, the shade 25 rolls from the roller 5 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1, thus tendingto force the arm 15 downwardly, the spring 16 tending to draw the arm 15 upwardly. The device will be adjusted so that the weight of the lowered shade will exactly counterbalance the strength of the spring 16 so that any movement of the lowered shade either up or down or any. increase or decrease in its weight will close the electrical circuit. While the exact position of the spring relative to. the lever 15 is immaterial, yet the spring must be placed in such a position thatftheslightest movement of the Shade roller-will cause. an actuation of the arm 14 t lo'ljclose the'circuit. Particular attention is called to the fact that the arm 14 is of such a length that the right angular portion 15 thereof, connected with the spring 16, will be so positioned that the direction of pult exerted by the spring 16 will be very nearly tangential to the periphery of the shade roller when the shade is in lowered position, as shown to advantage in Fig. 1.

It is thought that a clear and comprehensive understanding of this form of my invention may be had from an inspection of the drawings and a perusal of the foregoing, and it will be noted that in Fig. 5 the preferred circuit arrangement is shown, the shade being designated by the numeral 25 illustrating the circuit. closing bracket having the base 2 and the portion at in which the shade roller 5 is journalcd. A battery or other suitable source of energy is designated 26. An alarm circuit comprises conductors 27 in which the battery 26 and a be 1 28 are interposed, one of the conductors 27 being connected to the base 2 of the bracket, and the other of the conductors being connected to the coil spring 16 which is in turn connected to the arm 14. The alarm circuit above referred to is clearly shown in Fig. 5, from which it will also be seen, the other supporting bracket 31 for the shade is connected in series with one of the wires of the circuit by a wire 30. A wire 29 runs the full length of the shade roller as shown and connects the trunnions of the shade roller. Any preferred form of circuit might be employed, such as a relay circuit or a closed circuit type of alarm, I not desiring to limit myself to a'ny'particular arrangement of circuits.

Referring now to the modified forms of my invention, I desire to call attention to the construction illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. In these forms of my invention the supporting bracket containing the circuit closing means is substantially identical, the principal difference existing in the arrangement of the contact arms and circuit terminals. Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, I have provided a supporting bracket having a base 32 and a laterally extending body portion 33. said body portion 33 being enlarged at its outer extremity, the marginal edges thereof being bent to provide a laterally extending flange 3-1 providing as a whole, an open face casing. The wall 33 of this casing is provided with an elongated opening 35 for a purpose which will hereinafter become apparent and a bearing opening 36 for the trunnion 37 of the shade roller. The base 32 is provided with suitable openings 38 for securing the same at the desired point on the window frame. The base 32 is provided with a supplemental base of insulating material designated 39 for a purpose which will hereinaf er be set forth. The circuit closer actuating arm is designated 40 and protrudes throu h the elongated opening 35. It should be understood that'the arm 40 used in this form of the invention is in all respects similar to the arm 14 shown in Fig. 4, and used in connection with the preferred form of the invention and being mounted and operated substantially similarly to the preferred form, the only difference being in the particular construction in the way the circuit is closed and the arm 40 is swung. The circuit closing element of this form of my invention comprises preferably a strip 41 of resilient metal having an enlarged portion 42 substantially intermediate its length, said enlarged portion having a centralopening 43 therein for securement of the circuit closing arm in position. The opposite extremities of the strip 41 are provided with contact points 44. In placing the strip 41 in position the same is bent upon itself adjacent the enlarged portion 42 to provide two spaced arms designated 45 and shown to advantage in Figs. 6 and 7. A screw, rivet, or like fastening means 46 is provided passing through the opening 43and through an opening provided therefor in the flange 34, thereby securing the arms 45 in operative position. It will be noted that the arm 40 extends through the elongated openin 35 and is positioned between the arms 45 for a purpose which will hereinafter become apparent. Attention is called to the particular contact means provided in Fig. 6, this form of my invention being applied where the closed circuit type of alarm is used, I having provided circuit terminals comprising strips having base portions 47 and laterally extending contact portions 48 forming terminals of an external circuit. As shown in the figure, the contact points 44 of the arms 45 are normally connected with the terminals 48 but upon deflection of the arm 40 into contact with one or the other of the arms 45, the circuit will be broken, allowing the rela employed in this type of circuit (not shown to operate the alarm circuit. In Fig. 6 it will be noted that the arms 45 provide a path for completing theexternal circuit and that the slightest deflection of the arms owing to the movement of the curtain shade will cause an actuation of the alarm.

In Fig. 7 I have shown a form of my invention adapted to an open circuit alarm system it being necessary in this form of my invention that the bracket 33 form one terminal of the circuit. The other terminal of the external circuit comprises a substantially U-shaped structure having a base por tion 49 and laterally extending spaced arms 50 forming a terminal of the external circuit and embracing the free extremity of the arms 45. It will be noted that should the arm 40 of the curtain shade be deflected, the arms 45 will come into engagement with one or the other of the arms 50 and close the circuit sounding an alarm. The circuit terminals alarm.

48 and 50, shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are permanently mounted on the insulated base 39.

In both of these forms of my invention the spring for retaining the arm 40 against the weight of the shade is disposed above the arm and is designated 51, said spring not being shown in connection with the arm in either of the views in order to prevent confusion.

Another form of my invention is illus trated in Fig. 10, the bracket'being substan tially the same in construction as in F igsl 6 and 7 and having the laterally extending flange 52. In this form of my invention the contact arm is normally in connection with the arm 40 and comprises a strip curved at one of its extremities to conform substantially to the contour of the inner face of the flange 52 and riveted or otherwise secured thereto as at 54. I provide adjusting means for the contact arm 53 which comprises a screw 55 threaded into the flange 52, said flange having a thickened portion 56 for this purpose. In this form of my invention the inherent resiliency of the arm 53 assisted by the action of the screw 55 tends to raise the arm and the weight of the shade thereon acting through the arm 40 tends to maintain the same in the position shown. The arm 53 forms one terminal of an external circuit, the other terminal circuitcomprising a substantially U-shaped member having a base portion 57 and spaced arms 58, said arms 58 embracing the free ex tremity of the contact arm 53. The usual retaining spring may be provided but has not been shown in this view. It will be readily noted that any deflection of the arm 40 either upwardly or downwardly will cause a movement of the arm 53 allowing the same to contact with the arms 58 to close the external circuit and sound an Another form of my invention is shown to advantage in Fig. 11, and comprises a base plate 59, substantially circular in con figuration and having tongues 60 formed on the periphery thereof, said tongues being provided with suitable openings 61 for securement of the same to the window frame. This form of my invention is particularly adapted for use where only a limited space above the shade roller can be had and it is necessary to dispose the retaining spring below the curtain shade roller. The bearing portion of this form of my invention comprises a plate 62 substantially semi-circular in configuration and having a tapered cen tral opening 63 therein in which the trunnion of the shade roller is adapted to be fitted. Said plate 62 is permanently secured to the base plate 59 by screws 64 or like fas tening means and insulated therefrom by an insulating disk 65. Thebase plate 59 forms one terminal of the exterior circuit and the arm carried by the shade roller forms the other terminal, said arm having the usual ofi'set portion, not shown in this view, which extends through an elongated opening 66 provided in the body of the base plate 59 adjacent the bearing plate 62.

From the above description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thought that a clear and comprehensive understanding of the several forms of my invention, as well as their construction, operation, and advantages may be readily gathered. It will be seen that I have provided a device which may be used as a fire or burglar alarm, it being noted that whether the shade is moved by the human hand or whether the same is burned by fire does not afl'ect any difference in the operation of my invention, it being noted that the same depends for its operation upon the changing of the weight of the shade, that is, of the hanging shade; whether this weight increases or decreases does not afiect the operation, the mode of operation being identical in both cases.

While I have shown and described my invention as possessing a peculiar form and construction, it is desired that it be understood that I gnay make such changes in the details thereof that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a circuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a shade roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from Said roller and carried by said bracket, an arm carried by said trunnion, and contact elements carried by said bracket whereby when said roller is rotated said arm will engage said contact elements for closing a circuit.

2. In a, circuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a shade roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller and carried by said bracket, an arm carried by said trunnion, contact elements carried by said bracket whereby when said roller is rotated said arm will engage said contact elements for closing a circuit, and means holding said arm in a normally inactive position and counterbalaucing said shade.

3. In acircuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a shade roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said. roller and carried by said bracket, contactelements carried by said bracket, a pivotal contact element carried by said trunnion, said pivotal contact element being adapted to engage said first-mentioned contact elements when said roller is rotated, thereby closing a circuit- 4. In a circuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a shade roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller and carried by said bracket, contact elements carried by said bracket, 21 pivotal contact element carried by said trunnion, said pivotal contact element being adapted to engage said first-mentioned contact elements when said roller is rotated thereby closing a circuit, and means for normally holding said pivotal contact in an inoperative position.

5. In a clrcuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller, means for supporting said trunnion upon and insulating said trunnion from said bracket, contact elements carried by said bracket, a pivotal contact carried by said trunnion whereby as said roller is rotated said pivotal contact will engage said contact elements for closing a circuit.

6. In a circuit closure, the combination of a shade bracket, a roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller, means for supporting said trunnion upon and insulating said trunnion from said bracket, contact elements carried by said bracket, a pivotal contact carried by said trunnion whereby as said roller is 1'0- tated said pivotal contact will engage mid contact elements for closing a circuit, and means for normally holding said pivotal contact in an inoperative position.

7. In a circuit closure, the combination of a bracket having an opening, a roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller, and carried by said bracket, an arm carried by said trunnion and projecting into said opening, and means connected to said bracket and cooperating with said arm for closing a circuit as said arm is swung.

8. In a circuit closure, the combination of a bracket having an opening, a roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller, and carried by said bracket, an arm carried by said trunnion and projecting into said opening, means connected to said bracket and cooperating with said arm for closing a circuit as said arm is swung, and means for normally holding said arm in an inoperative position.

9. In a circuit closure, the combination of a shade roller having a shade, a supporting bracket flanged to form a casing, a contact arm in said casing, terminals adjacent said arm, a trunnion projecting from Said roller and carried by said bracket, a contact arm carried by said trunnion, whereby :35 said roller is rotated said arm will close a circuit, and means for normally holding said arm in an inoperative position and counterbalancing said shade.

1O. In a circuit closure, the combination of a bracket having anopening, a shad.

when said roller is rotated said armwill 10 move into engagement With said bracket for closing a circuit.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

JOHN HAVRAN.

roller having a hanging shade, a trunnion projecting from said roller and carried by said bracket, an arm mounted upon said trunnion, said arm having a bent end extending into said opening, a resilient element connected to said bent end of said arm, for counterbalancing the Weight of said shade and normally holding said bent end centrally within said opening whereby Witnesses W. F. SLATER, FRANK E. MANNING.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

